Looking down the Western Cwm toward the icefall from Camp II (21,000') at the foot of the Lhotse Face. This is the advanced base camp from which summit bids are launched. Teams wait here for a forecast of clear weather before heading up to Camp III, the South Col, and then the Summit. From Camp II, they are still three days away from the top so any bid is still a gamble on weather.
Mount Everest expedition photo